THE 62nd Edington Festival of Music will have a new director, as Richard Pinel is taking over from Benjamin Nicholas, who has directed the festival for the past four years.

Mr Pinel is the new director of music at Jesus College, Cambridge, moving from St George’s Chapel in Windsor where he has been assistant director of music for a number of years.

Outgoing director Mr Nicholas said: “I have found the past four years as director of the Edington Music Festival an extraordinarily fulfilling experience.

“I feel very privileged to have been able to work with some of the country’s most talented musicians, as conductors, singers, composers and organists, as well as with the dedicated festival supporters from Edington and the surrounding communities who work tirelessly for many months to make it happen.

“The directorship of the unique choral and liturgical event that is the Edington Music Festival is a rare opportunity and I know that Richard Pinel will be a superb guardian of the festival as it moves to the next stage.”

This year’s festival will take place between August 20-27 at Edington Priory Church, and planning is already under way, with the theme being chosen as The Beatitudes.